Red Cross Encourages New Jersey to Prepare for Hermine

It’s important that you revisit and update your plan and check your kit for expired items.

Posted September 02, 2016, New Jersey Region, Princeton, NJ

As Tropical Storm Hermine moves north along the eastern seaboard, the American Red Cross New Jersey Region is ready to respond and encourages New Jersey residents to prepare should the storm impact the Garden State.

By taking simple steps like staying informed, assembling an emergency kit and making a family evacuation plan, people can be better prepared for hurricanes and other disasters.

“Even if you took action to prepare last hurricane season, it’s important that you revisit and update your communication plan and check your kit for expired items,” said Steven Sarinelli, regional disaster officer, American Red Cross New Jersey Region. “Being prepared in advance will save you valuable time should storms threaten our area this hurricane season.”

Update your emergency preparedness kit. Ensure your kit has the following items: - At least a three day supply of water - one gallon per person, per day- At least a three day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio- Flashlight and plenty of extra batteries- First Aid kit- Prescription and non-prescription medication items (at least a seven-day supply)- Copies of important documents- Cell phone chargers- Personal hygiene items- Extra cash- Pet supplies

Download the free Red Cross Emergency App. The Red Cross Emergency App sends location-based weather alerts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It includes information about what to do in case of hurricanes, flooding and other disasters, how to assemble an emergency kit for your family, an “I’m Safe” button to let loved ones know you are okay, and a real-time map to help you find the location of Red Cross shelters should you need to evacuate your home. The app also includes a toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and alarm. The free Red Cross Emergency App has a Spanish language toggle switch and can be downloaded by visiting redcross.org/apps.

Create a family evacuation plan. Identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster and how you will get information, whether through local radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio stations or channels. Know the difference between different weather alerts such as watches and warnings and what actions to take in each. Use local maps and identify alternate evacuation routes from home, work and/or school. Know where you are going and how you plan to get there before you leave home. Include your pets in your evacuation plan. If it is not safe for you, it is not safe for them. Develop a family communication plan and identify an out-of-area contact person that family members and friends can call if you are separated from one another.